Our Community

The Vinalhaven Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to an on-line view of our island community! We represent the broad range of businesses and organizations flourishing on our island; our mission is to preserve our island way of life and to promote economic vitality.

Vinalhaven Island lies twelve miles off the coast of Maine, and is the state’s largest off-shore community. It is known for its striking natural beauty and for being home to one of the world’s largest lobster fishing fleets. We have a year-round population of about 1200 people, and welcome many more from around the world in the summer months. The village of Vinalhaven is located on Carver’s Harbor on the southern end of the island, a short walk from the Maine State Ferry Service terminal. Main Street is home to an array of small businesses, many of which you will find in our Member Directory. We have a full preK-12 school system, a medical and dental health center, volunteer ambulance and fire crews. Lobster fishing and related support activities make up roughly half of the island’s economy; in addition to commercial fishermen and women, we are builders, musicians, plumbers, teachers, shopkeepers, electricians, innkeepers, artists, writers, mechanics, realtors, restauranteurs, boat builders, ferry captains, architects, administrators, conservationists, and more. We have a full-time Town Manager who works with an elected Board of Selectmen to govern our community, and a plethora of civic organizations that serve the needs and interests of our community.

We hope our website gives you an enticing glimpse of our rich and varied island community. We encourage you to come see for yourselves!